Anyone with an inch of spiritual discernment can see we are living in the last days, as the Bible described them. We are so close to the time we will see Jesus Christ appear in the clouds to gather His bride. This is both exciting and also a little scary. Exciting because we know those of us ready and waiting for His appearance will be caught up with Him and will forever be with our beautiful Savior and King. Scary because we don’t want to be ashamed when we see His beautiful face!

Why would we possibly be ashamed? Well if we have spent our life living solely for ourselves and not served Him well that would be one reason. Jesus told us we are to take up our cross daily and follow Him. That means live a life of intimacy with Him and service. If you are spending more hours a day online watching mindless information pass before you or spending more hours a day watching your tv than you are spending time in prayer and service you will likely have good reason to be ashamed at His appearance. The bride is to be awake and waiting with oil in her lamp and ready to go at that time the Lord calls us to be with Him. She is not to be busy doing things that do not further the gospel or help others by being the hands and feet of Christ.

I fear many who consider themselves to be part of the “church” will be sleeping and not even aware that the Bridegroom has arrived when He comes. Those that are not aware will be left to endure a horrible time here on earth before they will see the Bridegroom again. Christ, through Apostle John, was speaking to believers when he said the following, “Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don’t wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief.” Revelation 3:3 And again he was speaking to believers when he said, “Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world.” Revelation 3:10 Notice there was a requirement to repent, turn to Christ, obey His commands and persevere. Many in the church, worldwide are currently sleeping and repentance is not even close to their thoughts. They are keeping busy with things in this world. Things that will soon vanish and no longer matter. It is so important we continually live a life of repentance and obedience, while we excitedly await His appearance. Don’t allow anything to keep you from keeping your life right before Him. Luke also warns us, “Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware,  like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth.  Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:34-36

We should not take these warnings lightly. There would be no need to warn the Christians if all were guaranteed the rapture, despite how they were living at the time of His appearance. So let me wrap up with this verse from Ephesians 5:15-17 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.  Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.  Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

Let each of us do just that. Let us not live our lives as if we can do whatever we want and expect to still be ready for our Bridegroom when He arrives.

Heavenly Father: Please forgive us for our sins and transgressions. Help us to live a life that is pleasing in your sight. Help us, through the power of the Holy Spirit, be ready at all times for the appearance of Your Son. Please count us worth to escape the wrath to come and keep our hearts tender before You always. Guide us and lead us to the service You want us to do and give us a love for the lost so that we may continually pray for and share the gospel to those who desperately need to hear it.

We love You and thank You for loving us first. In Jesus name,

Amen